Mikayla Holmgren, a 22-Year-Old With Down Syndrome, Just Competed In Miss USA

Miss Minnesota USA — the same pageant that put Halima Aden and her hijab on the world stage — just broke another major barrier in the world of beauty. For the first time, a woman with Down syndrome not only competed in a Miss USA pageant, but also won two awards.

Historically, beauty pageants have not exactly been known for promoting an inclusive or diverse definition of beauty. But in the age of social media, contestants have started to use their global platform to promote important messages about body diversity and representation (see: Miss Universe contestant Davina Bennett nearly breaking Twitter by competing with her natural hair).

The result is a sea change in the pageant world that’s allowing more women like Mikayla Holmgren to break more beauty barriers. Twenty-two-year-old Holmgren, the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in a Miss USA pageant according to the Miss Universe Organization, made history taking home two trophies this week, reports BuzzFeed News. “You exude the spirit of Miss USA by always being true to yourself and putting others first,” said Denise Wallace Heitkamp, executive state director, while presenting Holmgren with the Spirit Award. “You have selflessness, humility, and the ability to overcome obstacles with a smile on your face and excitement in your heart.”

Holmgren’s participation, and award-winning recognition, is a game-changer in the world of beauty pageants. "I was super shocked, I was in tears," she told BuzzFeed. "I went from a special needs pageant to the biggest pageant in the world. It's kind of crazy."

After winning a state pageant for women with disabilities in 2015, she was invited to compete for the title of Miss Minnesota — her mom was surprised they wanted to include a contestant with Down syndrome. "I didn't realize it was part of the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageant and it took me a few weeks to realize the enormity of it and what a big deal it was for her to be in," she told BuzzFeed.

It’s a massive deal. With plans to keep competing and help blaze a trail for women with disabilities in the modeling world, Holmgren is on the forefront of those helping to take the definition of beauty beyond big blonde pageant hair. We can’t wait to see what she does next.